Country Inn By Carlson, Stafford, VA

FAIRFAX. Don't let the name fool you; this place has more to offer than just a lively bar scene. Cool colors, abstract...

FAIRFAX. Don't let the name fool you; this place has more to offer than just a lively bar scene. Cool colors, abstract artwork, and outdoor dining set the scene for guests to enjoy starters like duck and watercress salad or citrus flavored shrimp. Innovative entrees on the seasonal menu may include chicken and seafood pastas or grilled lamb shanks. If you can't make dinner, stop by after work; they have a great happy hour with half-priced appetizers and plenty of drink specials.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat Noon-2am; Sun 10am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

Known for great food and an upbeat bar, King Street is the perfect place to spend an entire evening. Start off with a...

Known for great food and an upbeat bar, King Street is the perfect place to spend an entire evening. Start off with a dinner of ribs or barbecue, and then have a drink or two while perusing the décor, which boasts neon lights, photos, swirling colors, ceiling-hung airplanes, and more. After that, take in some live music (featured some nights), which showcases local talents. As the evening wears on, the roadhouse atmosphere kicks in, and young crowds show up drinks, blues and to watch sports on several TVs. METRO: King Street

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

You receive a hearty Irish welcome as soon as you walk into this popular pub, where owner Pat Troy loves entertaining...

You receive a hearty Irish welcome as soon as you walk into this popular pub, where owner Pat Troy loves entertaining his guests with a song. Belly up to the bar and lose yourself in a cold pint of stout while you listen to the live Irish music that plays every night. If the old stomach starts to rumble don't fret ­ the menu includes everything from marinated chicken and salmon filet sandwiches to traditional shepherd's pie and fish & chips. METRO: King Street

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat-Sun 10:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

AIRPORT - DCA. Birchmere is an interesting mix between a bar and a concert hall. You will always find great live music,...

AIRPORT - DCA. Birchmere is an interesting mix between a bar and a concert hall. You will always find great live music, including names like Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Nancy Griffith. There are pool halls, their own famous brewery, and a full-service bar. You are likely to hear folk, blues and bluegrass performances while you are here. METRO: Braddock Road

Hours: Box Office Daily 5pm-9pm
Performances Daily 7:30pm
Event Dates and Times Vary

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ARLINGTON. The beers brewed on the premises are the top draws at this neighborly bar, where live blues and rock and roll...

ARLINGTON. The beers brewed on the premises are the top draws at this neighborly bar, where live blues and rock and roll are on the schedule every Wednesday and Saturday. Conveniently located in Ballston Commons Mall, this brewery brings out a professional crowd during happy hour, held every weekday from 4pm-7pm. A good selection of cigars and single-malt scotches, and an extensive dinner menu please a variety of tastes. Some people enjoy the house ambers and ales so much that they get large containers to take home.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ARLINGTON. This popular bar offers something for everyone, including pool,darts, great food (especially the barbecue),...

ARLINGTON. This popular bar offers something for everyone, including pool,darts, great food (especially the barbecue), and, of course, plenty of drinks. A youngish crowd gathers to see and be seen, and throngs get rowdy as the night wears on. Regulars say that the music is great and the pool tables are even better; owners have invested in top-notch tables and equipment that have won awards from "Billiards Digest." The 50s-style, automobile theme is appropriate given that the building was formerly a gas station.

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat Noon-2am; Sun Noon-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ARLINGTON. An upscale but relaxed place for a date or to meet up with friends, this restaurant and bar features great...

ARLINGTON. An upscale but relaxed place for a date or to meet up with friends, this restaurant and bar features great food, an extensive selection of beer and wine, and an upbeat outdoor patio that's perfect for warm summer evenings. The clever decor focuses on a construction site theme, with blueprints decorating the tables and a collection of tools and scaffolds on the walls and at the bar. The result is a surprisingly comfortable and fun atmsophere. Live music is often on the agenda, with a focus on modern rock and dance covers. Have dinner first and then make a night of it.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am, 5pm-2am; Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-8pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ARLINGTON. Set in the heart of Old Town, this popular neighborhood pizza place draws lots of folks for dinner and is an...

ARLINGTON. Set in the heart of Old Town, this popular neighborhood pizza place draws lots of folks for dinner and is an appealing stop-off for an evening beer or glass of wine. On weeknights, barstools fill up with after-work crowds who have adopted the hotspot as their hangout; weekends bring even larger crowds. Be warned, however: If you come in for a drink, aromas wafting from the pizza ovens may provoke you into ordering one of their irresistible pies.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri 11am-Midnight; Sat 10am-Midnight; Sun 9:30am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ARLINGTON. With a history dating back more than 50 years, this family-owned and operated favorite offers the best...

ARLINGTON. With a history dating back more than 50 years, this family-owned and operated favorite offers the best personal service, great seafood and burgers, and a low-key vibe that makes even the most frazzled traveler feel relaxed. Don't expect hip, trendy decor and blaring music ­ instead you'll find a pleasant bar and a quiet patio ideally suited for conversation and mingling. Rock, funk and soul are often featured on the stage. You may also try your skills on the pool and foosball tables. Just follow the landmark neon sign that simply reads "Grill."

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat-Sun 9am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CLARENDON. Iota Club & Café sponsors local musicians, both those just getting started and those who have already...

CLARENDON. Iota Club & Café sponsors local musicians, both those just getting started and those who have already established names for themselves as singers and songwriters. Open mic nights give everyone a chance to be a star, and literary fans often attend the Sunday poetry series, where everyone is encouraged to read. The menu features hot entrees (including vegetarian dishes), along with soups, salads, and great appetizers. METRO: Clarendon

Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-2am; Sun 8am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club